Former Penn State baseball student-athlete John Walter has joined the Palm Beach Cardinals of the High-A Florida State League after his contract with the New Jersey Jackals of the independent Can-Am League was purchased by the St. Louis Cardinals organization earlier this week.

Originally drafted in 2012 by the Kansas City Royals in the 29th round, Walter spent three seasons in the Royals’ system before spending last season and starting this season with the Jackals. Previously in affiliated minor league action, he was 10-5 with a 2.95 ERA in 70 games and three starts, advancing as high as High-A Wilmington. In 26 starts as a Jackal over two seasons, Walter posted a record of 15-2 with a 2.90 ERA, winning his last 13 decisions dating back to July 1, 2015. In 2015, Walter was 10-2 with a league-best 127 strikeouts, and he signed with the Cincinnati Reds for 2016 spring training. This season with New Jersey, Walter posted a record of 3-0 in four starts (27 innings) with an ERA of 1.00 and 29 strikeouts to just seven walks.

From 2010-12 with the Nittany Lions, Walter posted a career 4.90 ERA and 9-16 record in 35 starts (11th all-time in program history) and 209 1/3 innings pitched. His finest season was his sophomore year in 2011 when he was named to the All-Big Ten third team with a 3.19 ERA and 6-4 record in 15 starts and 84 2/3 innings pitched. Walter was also named to the Academic All-Big Ten team.
Penn State athletics is a big part of Walter’s background. His father, John Sr. played tight end for the Lions, where he was a member of the 1982 National Champions. His mother, Bonnie, was a Penn State field hockey star from 1982–86.